How do I even go about starting the process for Medicaid for my mother?

Everyone’s case is unique depending on your income and assets. Having someone in your corner who is intimately familiar with the rules can mean the difference between you or your loved one being forced to spend down their life savings and forfeiting income that could otherwise be “repositioned” and shielded from medicaid look backs.
Things such as Medicaid friendly income pooled trusts and burial trusts should be considered and put in to action depending on the persons financial status.
The rich pay attorneys who look out for them while the less fortunate often take advice from people who heard or think they know. An ethical consultant would charge far less for a consultation and far less to actually handle the entire process. Up to 40% less and give a 1000% better service. They tend to file and gain approvals faster as well because it what they specialize in. Elder care Attorneys seem to be more occupied with bigger money clients. With the baby boomer generation beginning to reach old age there’s a tsunami of seniors needing their services, and who can really blame them for taking the “bigger” cases first.
Law school wasn’t cheap or fast.
Social workers and Medicaid coordinators don’t even know what color their desks are because of all the paperwork on them and often aren’t able to take the time to maximize the best outcome for those in need.
I’m not saying any of them don’t care but the Numbers are becoming overwhelming and over half of the boomers still haven’t hit 65. Our bodies are now outstanding our minds and the rules keep changing. If you haven’t planed ahead then at least get advise from someone who has.

Maybe it's because I come from a small area in SNJ but I had no problem with going to Social Services and dealing with a caseworker directly to file for Medicaid.

Hello,
Medicaid can be a very complex process. If it’s done incorrectly it could cost you valuable time or even worse you may be forced to “send down” (loss of savings) or have to forfeit a portion of your loved ones monthly income. Elder lawyers charge a ton and most offer poor customer service (can’t even be bothered to return a phone call) social workers are usually over loaded and don’t take the time to take advantage of all the “loopholes” that may be available to your loved one. There are “Medicaid specialists” that only do this and how’s rates are typically 30-40% less then what attorneys charge with 100% better service and turnaround times. If you live on Long Island or one of the boroughs I could recommend 2 different services like this, if not type Medicaid application services along with the county you live in and that should get you started. Best of luck to you and your loved one.

Start with Medicaid.gov.

Getting a Lawyer would depend on her income. Is there a house? How much does she bring in monthly? My Mom had a house with someone living in it. So I got a Lawyer.
First thing to do is make an appointment. Have all her important papers like SS card, license or ID, birth certificate. At least one bank statement but eventually you will be asked for five years. I was lucky, Mom never thru anything out so I took 5 years with me. You will be told what other info you need.

It's a lot of work. If you can afford to, talk to and eventually hire an Elder Law attorney. Get a recommendation if you can. Also you should have a local office of the aging near you to assist you if you want to do it on your own. Good luck to you. :-)

In NY, it starts at the local Social Services Dept. I also recommend that you invest in one hour with an elder law attorney. Some do a free or low cost initial consultation. They know the laws and are very helpful. Trust me, it is worth it!! Bring your questions and take notes!

I’d go to your state government page and search “how to apply for Medicaid” to begin. You’ll be able to find what you need to do as far as ppwk, bank statements, etc. if she is in a SNF ask the social worker.
Good luck!

Is she in a facility? If so, rely on the financial department there. Keep after them to make sure the app has been filed. She can be “Medicaid pending” until then. If not, you can file an app online but keep meticulous records. Where we live, if I got a call about our Medicaid app, it was from our local Jobs and Family Services. If you have something like that where you live, contact them for help.